CREAMY PUMPKIN BISQUE WITH CANDIED PUMPKIN SEEDS

I found this recipe on the web a few years ago and I fell in love with it!  It reminds me of the "Fall Season" and I make it every year, regardless of how hot or cold the weather is. It'll put you in a great, festive mood and warm you from your head to your toes!





Ingredients:
~2 tablespoons butter
~1 large shallot, minced
~2 cloves garlic, chopped
~3 cups chicken stock
~1 (15 oz can) pumpkin
~1 teaspoon salt
~1 teaspoon brown sugar
~1/2 teaspoon pepper
~1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
~1/2 cup cream or milk
~1/4 cup Brandy (optional)

Directions:
In a large soup pot, saute the shallots in the 2 tablespoons of butter until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute another 2 minutes more. Add the remaining ingredients and bring a boil. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season again. If you like more pumpkin spice flavor, add a little at a time to your liking. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.

Candied Pumpkin Seeds
~raw pumpkin seeds (from your Jack o Lantern!!)
~3 tablespoons orange juice
~pinch of salt
~1/2 cup granulated sugar

Rinse the seeds in a colander. Toss seeds with the orange juice and then the sugar. Spread onto a parchment lined sheet pan and roast for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle on top of the soup and enjoy! SO yummy.... and will be one of your favorites too, I guarantee it!